Hanging Man On Back Of 20 Dollar Bill
Introduction
The $20 bill is one of the most commonly used denominations in the United States. However, many people may not be aware of a mysterious figure that can be seen on the back of the bill. This figure is commonly referred to as the "hanging man" and has been the subject of much speculation and debate. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of this mysterious figure.
The Hanging Man
The hanging man can be seen on the back of the $20 bill, on the right-hand side of the bill. The figure appears to be a person hanging from a tree, with their feet dangling above the ground. The figure is small and can be hard to see without a magnifying glass, but once you see it, it's hard to miss.
Theories About the Hanging Man
There are many theories about the meaning of the hanging man on the $20 bill. Some people believe that the figure represents a person who was hanged for committing a crime, while others believe that it represents a slave who was hanged for attempting to escape slavery.
Still, others believe that the figure is a reference to the famous "Sleepy Hollow" story by Washington Irving, which features a headless horseman who rides through a town at night. In the story, the horseman is said to have been a Hessian soldier who was beheaded during the Revolutionary War and now haunts the town.
The Truth About the Hanging Man
Despite the many theories that exist about the hanging man on the $20 bill, the truth is that the figure is simply a part of the bill's design. The figure is actually a representation of a statue that can be found in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The statue is called "The Contemplation of Justice" and was created by the artist John McRae.
The Contemplation of Justice
The statue "The Contemplation of Justice" can be found in the east facade of the U.S. Supreme Court Building, which is located in Washington, D.C. The statue depicts a woman wearing a blindfold and holding a sword in one hand and a set of scales in the other. The woman represents the Greek goddess Themis, who was the goddess of justice and law.
The figure that can be seen on the $20 bill is a small part of the statue, which depicts a man hanging from a branch of an oak tree. The man is not actually being hanged, but is instead sitting on a branch and contemplating the nature of justice.
Conclusion
The hanging man on the back of the $20 bill has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the years. While many people have come up with theories about the meaning of the figure, the truth is that it is simply a part of the bill's design and is a representation of a statue that can be found in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.